Anime Central
@acen.org
Official updates from Anime Central, the Midwest’s Largest Anime and Manga convention. The next ACen is May 15-17, 2026!
Looking to gather with other cosplayers from your favorite anime or fandom? Anime Central is now accepting cosplay gathering applications! Gather your group, your creativity, and your best poses.#AnimeCentral #ACen2026
Cosplay Gatherings - Anime Central
Cosplayers, photographers and fans will participate in cosplay gatherings all over the event for to celebrate their favorite series.
www.acen.org
November 12, 2025 at 4:08 PM
Looking to gather with other cosplayers from your favorite anime or fandom? Anime Central is now accepting cosplay gathering applications! Gather your group, your creativity, and your best poses.#AnimeCentral #ACen2026
Got an idea for a panel? Bring your excitement, expertise, and energy to our next convention. Live events applications for Anime Central 2026 are now open! Apply by February 1st, 2026. #AnimeCentral #ACen2026
Live Events - Anime Central
Anime Central features live events, programming from convention guests, industry partners and our passionate attendees.
www.acen.org
November 1, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Got an idea for a panel? Bring your excitement, expertise, and energy to our next convention. Live events applications for Anime Central 2026 are now open! Apply by February 1st, 2026. #AnimeCentral #ACen2026
🌟 Want to be part of the ACen team? 🌟 Join us at our Volunteer Fair on Saturday, 10/4 at 1 PM at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare! Learn about perks, meet team managers, and find your perfect role. Must be 18+ to volunteer. #AnimeCentral #ACen2026 www.acen.org/anime-centra...
October 2, 2025 at 7:00 PM
🌟 Want to be part of the ACen team? 🌟 Join us at our Volunteer Fair on Saturday, 10/4 at 1 PM at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare! Learn about perks, meet team managers, and find your perfect role. Must be 18+ to volunteer. #AnimeCentral #ACen2026 www.acen.org/anime-centra...
Anime Central 2026 is now accepting submissions for Retailer Pre-Boarding and the Artist Alley Lottery. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the action. Apply today! #Animecentral #ACen2026 www.acen.org/artist-alley...
October 1, 2025 at 3:02 PM
Anime Central 2026 is now accepting submissions for Retailer Pre-Boarding and the Artist Alley Lottery. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the action. Apply today! #Animecentral #ACen2026 www.acen.org/artist-alley...
Hyatt Place is open for Anime Central 2026 reservations! Use the La Quinta shuttle stop for ACen.
Reservation Link: www.hyatt.com/en-US/group-...
Group Code: G-ACEN
Reservation Link: www.hyatt.com/en-US/group-...
Group Code: G-ACEN
September 19, 2025 at 5:05 PM
Hyatt Place is open for Anime Central 2026 reservations! Use the La Quinta shuttle stop for ACen.
Reservation Link: www.hyatt.com/en-US/group-...
Group Code: G-ACEN
Reservation Link: www.hyatt.com/en-US/group-...
Group Code: G-ACEN
aLoft is now accepting reservations for Anime Central 2026! On the ACen Shuttle Route.
Book here: www.marriott.com/event-reserv...
Book here: www.marriott.com/event-reserv...
September 19, 2025 at 5:02 PM
aLoft is now accepting reservations for Anime Central 2026! On the ACen Shuttle Route.
Book here: www.marriott.com/event-reserv...
Book here: www.marriott.com/event-reserv...
Holiday Inn O’Hare is now open for Anime Central 2026 reservations! A room deposit is required. On the ACen Shuttle Route.
Group Code: ANI
Book here: www.ihg.com/redirect?pat...
Group Code: ANI
Book here: www.ihg.com/redirect?pat...
September 19, 2025 at 5:02 PM
Holiday Inn O’Hare is now open for Anime Central 2026 reservations! A room deposit is required. On the ACen Shuttle Route.
Group Code: ANI
Book here: www.ihg.com/redirect?pat...
Group Code: ANI
Book here: www.ihg.com/redirect?pat...
The Renaissance O’Hare is now accepting reservations for Anime Central 2026! On the ACen Shuttle Route.
Reserve here: www.marriott.com/event-reserv...
Reserve here: www.marriott.com/event-reserv...
September 19, 2025 at 5:02 PM
The Renaissance O’Hare is now accepting reservations for Anime Central 2026! On the ACen Shuttle Route.
Reserve here: www.marriott.com/event-reserv...
Reserve here: www.marriott.com/event-reserv...
The Hyatt Regency O’Hare is now accepting reservations for Anime Central 2026! Max 2 rooms per name; first night’s deposit taken mid-April. Not on the ACen Shuttle Route.
Group Code: G-UJYV
Reserve here: www.hyatt.com/en-US/group-...
Group Code: G-UJYV
Reserve here: www.hyatt.com/en-US/group-...
September 19, 2025 at 5:01 PM
The Hyatt Regency O’Hare is now accepting reservations for Anime Central 2026! Max 2 rooms per name; first night’s deposit taken mid-April. Not on the ACen Shuttle Route.
Group Code: G-UJYV
Reserve here: www.hyatt.com/en-US/group-...
Group Code: G-UJYV
Reserve here: www.hyatt.com/en-US/group-...
La Quinta is now open for Anime Central 2026 reservations! On the ACen Shuttle Route.
Group Code: 051426ANI
Book here: www.wyndhamhotels.com/laquinta/ros...
Group Code: 051426ANI
Book here: www.wyndhamhotels.com/laquinta/ros...
September 19, 2025 at 5:02 PM
La Quinta is now open for Anime Central 2026 reservations! On the ACen Shuttle Route.
Group Code: 051426ANI
Book here: www.wyndhamhotels.com/laquinta/ros...
Group Code: 051426ANI
Book here: www.wyndhamhotels.com/laquinta/ros...
Crowne Plaza O’Hare is open for Anime Central 2026 reservations! 1-night deposit required at booking. Not on the ACen Shuttle Route.
Book here: www.ihg.com/crowneplaza/...
Book here: www.ihg.com/crowneplaza/...
September 19, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Crowne Plaza O’Hare is open for Anime Central 2026 reservations! 1-night deposit required at booking. Not on the ACen Shuttle Route.
Book here: www.ihg.com/crowneplaza/...
Book here: www.ihg.com/crowneplaza/...
The DoubleTree O’Hare is now accepting Anime Central 2026 reservations! Not on the ACen Shuttle Route.
Group Code: ACE
Reserve here: www.hilton.com/en/attend-my...
Group Code: ACE
Reserve here: www.hilton.com/en/attend-my...
September 19, 2025 at 5:01 PM
The DoubleTree O’Hare is now accepting Anime Central 2026 reservations! Not on the ACen Shuttle Route.
Group Code: ACE
Reserve here: www.hilton.com/en/attend-my...
Group Code: ACE
Reserve here: www.hilton.com/en/attend-my...
Spark by Hilton is now accepting reservations for Anime Central 2026! On the ACen Shuttle Route.
Group Code: ACCM
Reserve here: hil.tn/34m22n
Group Code: ACCM
Reserve here: hil.tn/34m22n
September 19, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Spark by Hilton is now accepting reservations for Anime Central 2026! On the ACen Shuttle Route.
Group Code: ACCM
Reserve here: hil.tn/34m22n
Group Code: ACCM
Reserve here: hil.tn/34m22n
The Westin O’Hare is open for Anime Central 2026 bookings! On the ACen Shuttle Route.
Reserve here: www.marriott.com/event-reserv...
Reserve here: www.marriott.com/event-reserv...
September 19, 2025 at 5:01 PM
The Westin O’Hare is open for Anime Central 2026 bookings! On the ACen Shuttle Route.
Reserve here: www.marriott.com/event-reserv...
Reserve here: www.marriott.com/event-reserv...
Embassy Suites is now open for Anime Central 2026 reservations! Not on the ACen Shuttle Route.
Group Code: ACN
Book here: www.hilton.com/en/attend-my...
Group Code: ACN
Book here: www.hilton.com/en/attend-my...
September 19, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Embassy Suites is now open for Anime Central 2026 reservations! Not on the ACen Shuttle Route.
Group Code: ACN
Book here: www.hilton.com/en/attend-my...
Group Code: ACN
Book here: www.hilton.com/en/attend-my...
🚨 Reminder: Anime Central 2026 hotel blocks open Fri 9/19 at NOON CDT! 🚨 We've also added additional blocks at the Holiday Inn O’Hare and Renaissance O’Hare. Rooms are expected to go fast! #AnimeCentral #ACen2026
Hotel Room Block Updates for the 2026 Convention - Anime Central
Anime Central works with many hotels surrounding the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center for our convention.
www.acen.org
September 18, 2025 at 3:03 PM
🚨 Reminder: Anime Central 2026 hotel blocks open Fri 9/19 at NOON CDT! 🚨 We've also added additional blocks at the Holiday Inn O’Hare and Renaissance O’Hare. Rooms are expected to go fast! #AnimeCentral #ACen2026
We can’t wait to see more from Kyle’s visit!
Our Anime Central 2025 Open Auditions winner, Kyle Pellikan, was just at the studio recording for some upcoming projects and getting the Bang Zoom! experience! Stay tuned to see more of Kyle's visit with us 🚀
September 15, 2025 at 9:54 PM
We can’t wait to see more from Kyle’s visit!
🚨 Heads up, ACen attendees!🚨 Hotel room blocks for Anime Central 2026 open Friday, Sept. 19 at 12 PM CDT! Don’t miss your chance to book your stay, as rooms will go fast! #AnimeCentral #ACen2026
www.acen.org
September 12, 2025 at 3:02 PM
🚨 Heads up, ACen attendees!🚨 Hotel room blocks for Anime Central 2026 open Friday, Sept. 19 at 12 PM CDT! Don’t miss your chance to book your stay, as rooms will go fast! #AnimeCentral #ACen2026
Indie game devs! Showcase your game at Anime Central 2026 and share your game with thousands of fans. Sign up now to promote your game in our entertainment hall and be part of ACen! #AnimeCentral #ACen2026
Video Gaming - Anime Central
From arcades to PC, Virtual Reality, console video gaming. We’ve got everything you could want in our gaming hall!
www.acen.org
September 11, 2025 at 3:02 PM
Indie game devs! Showcase your game at Anime Central 2026 and share your game with thousands of fans. Sign up now to promote your game in our entertainment hall and be part of ACen! #AnimeCentral #ACen2026
Are you a convention show runner? Bring your event to Anime Central 2026! Apply now for a table and share your con with thousands of fans. Spaces are limited, so submit your application today! #AnimeCentral #ACen2026
Retailers - Anime Central
Retailers from around the globe travel to Anime Central to showcase merchandise in our Retailer Hall. Retailers are located inside the convention center.
www.acen.org
September 10, 2025 at 3:02 PM
Are you a convention show runner? Bring your event to Anime Central 2026! Apply now for a table and share your con with thousands of fans. Spaces are limited, so submit your application today! #AnimeCentral #ACen2026
Calling all tattoo artists! Anime Central is looking for talented creators to join our Tattoo Alley. Interested? Apply now through our Tattoo Alley application and be part of the 2026 convention! #AnimeCentral #ACen2026 www.acen.org/retailers/ta...
Tattoo Alley - Anime Central
Step into Anime Central's Tattoo Alley, where art meets fandom in a fully immersive, safe, and compliant space dedicated to body art enthusiasts! Whether
www.acen.org
September 9, 2025 at 3:01 PM
Calling all tattoo artists! Anime Central is looking for talented creators to join our Tattoo Alley. Interested? Apply now through our Tattoo Alley application and be part of the 2026 convention! #AnimeCentral #ACen2026 www.acen.org/retailers/ta...
Attendee registration for Anime Central is NOW OPEN! Join us May 15-17, 2026 in Rosemont, IL for the Midwest’s largest anime, manga & Japanese culture convention. #AnimeCentral #ACen2026 www.acen.org/registration...
Attendee Registration - Anime Central
Register for Anime Central! Both Full Weekend access memberships and single day access passes are available online during pre-registration.
www.acen.org
September 1, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Attendee registration for Anime Central is NOW OPEN! Join us May 15-17, 2026 in Rosemont, IL for the Midwest’s largest anime, manga & Japanese culture convention. #AnimeCentral #ACen2026 www.acen.org/registration...
Attendee registration for Anime Central 2026 opens September 1, 2025! Don’t miss your chance to join the Midwest’s largest anime & manga convention. #AnimeCentral #ACen2026 www.acen.org/2026-attende...
August 30, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Attendee registration for Anime Central 2026 opens September 1, 2025! Don’t miss your chance to join the Midwest’s largest anime & manga convention. #AnimeCentral #ACen2026 www.acen.org/2026-attende...
We are heartbroken to hear of Tomo Sakurai’s passing. We were honored to have her at Anime Central 2024 where she was able to share her stories and joy with us. Thank you for the memories. You’ll be missed dearly.
August 17, 2025 at 1:03 AM
We are heartbroken to hear of Tomo Sakurai’s passing. We were honored to have her at Anime Central 2024 where she was able to share her stories and joy with us. Thank you for the memories. You’ll be missed dearly.
Check out @pepperink.bsky.social stunning chalk art featuring Studio Durian's Look Back! Watch the coloring time lapse come to life on the con floor of Anime Central: youtu.be/PiLyr2YEcXo?... #LookBack #ChalkArt #AnimeCentral #ACen2025
Anime Central 2025 Look Back Time Lapse
http://www.pepperink.com - Illustrator Eric Maruscak creates his 11th Chalk Art mural for Anime Central at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois. The mural was created for the Anime Film “Look Back”, based on the one-shot anime by Tatsuki Fujimoto and Directed by Kiyotaka Oshiyama. The art measured 9' wide by 12’ tall and took approximately 25 hours to complete over the course of the weekend. All of the rendering was done in chalk pastels.
To see more chalk art, cartoons and illustration, check out Eric Maruscak’s links:
Website: http://www.pepperink.com
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/pepperink.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PepperInk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pepperink/
Pintrest: https://www.pinterest.com/ericmaruscak/
Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/pepperink
Music: “Slow Life” by Benjamin Lazzarus
Music I Use: https://www.bensound.com/free-music-for-videos
License code: XWYVYZMEQLV8M37P
Look Back Title and Characters Copyright 2024 Tatsuki Fujimoto/Shueisha - Look Back Film Partners
youtu.be
July 25, 2025 at 3:21 PM
Check out @pepperink.bsky.social stunning chalk art featuring Studio Durian's Look Back! Watch the coloring time lapse come to life on the con floor of Anime Central: youtu.be/PiLyr2YEcXo?... #LookBack #ChalkArt #AnimeCentral #ACen2025